Stephen G. Harkins

Stephen G. Harkins, affectionately known as “Beaver,” age 66, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones in Wilmington Hospital on Monday, January 2, 2023, following an unexpected acute illness. Beaver was born in Wilmington on August 3, 1956, the fourth of five children to the late William J. and Catherine (Mulrooney) Harkins. He was raised in Wilmington, was a 1974 graduate of St. Elizabeth High School, and later attended Drexel University and the University of Delaware. Following high school graduation, he began a long career with Verizon, working in a variety of positions throughout the years that included telecom technician, fiber optics installation, marketing, and communications. Beaver received several recognition and service awards during his tenure with Verizon, retiring in 2007 after over 30 years of dedicated service. As his mother’s health began to wane in her final years of life, Beaver lovingly cared for her at the family home in Wilmington. His siblings will always be grateful for the daily care that he provided her at that time. Beaver was an avid sports fan who loved all Philadelphia sports teams, primarily the Eagles and Phillies. He was an exceptional golfer, discovering his passion for it in high school and continuing for decades following. He participated in golf leagues and local tournaments throughout his life until a series of strokes decreased his strength and stamina to the point that he could no longer actively participate. Despite his health challenges, he lived his life to the fullest. He loved traveling, both domestically and abroad, and especially enjoyed the many wonderful family vacations to warm, sunny climates throughout the United States, re-visiting California, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, and North Carolina regularly. No sooner would one vacation end, he was already looking forward to, and planning, the next with his entire family. He was also a big thrill ride enthusiast – the more daring, the better for him. He had an incredible passion for, and knowledge of, anything computer-related. For instance, he would disassemble computers to the bare bones and put them back together, showing his sons the intricacies of the hardware. This would lead to his son Jack developing his own passion for the field and eventually culminating in his career today. Throughout the years, Beaver would enthusiastically and generously help family and friends navigate computer problems, as he considered it a joyous hobby. Beaver had an affinity for animals and birds, always making sure that his grandpuppies were overfed with treats and his bird feeders were overflowing with seed. He often delighted in taking his children to neighboring farms to feed and pet the horses and cows. He was known to welcome animals into the family home and could sometimes be seen enticing exotic birds into his hotel rooms in Hawaii, feeding them from the palm of his hand. Above all, Beaver adored his children and grandchildren. He generously gave with his heart and was always there when needed. His family will dearly miss the daily stream of photos and videos that he shared with us–wonderful memories and experiences that we will treasure for a lifetime (yes, even those candid shots of us at our worst possible angles). In addition to his parents, Beaver was predeceased by a baby granddaughter, Everleigh Sage Harkins; father-in-law, Joseph A. Kryspin; and stepfather-in-law, Carl J. Koekkoek. He will be dearly missed by his five children: Cassandra Harkins of Wilmington, DE; Maribeth Harkins Witkowski (Christopher) of Elizabethtown, PA; Kimberly Harkins Eisenreich (Eric) of Wallingford, CT; Matthew Harkins (Brittany) of Millsboro, DE; and John “Jack” Harkins of Wilmington, DE; along with three young grandsons: Kai Witkowski and Hunter & Owen Eisenreich. Also surviving are his former wife of 34 years, Linda A. Kryspin, with whom he maintained a loving and close friendship up until the very end; his former mother-in-law, Dorothy K. Koekkoek; his four siblings: Kathleen Trzcinski (Ronald), William J. Harkins, Jr. (Irvin Lippman), Thomas Harkins (Anne), and Jane Harkins Jones (Brad); his former brother-in-law, Jerome Kryspin (Mary Ann); and many nieces and nephews. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that any memorial contributions be donated to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be sent to Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home at www.stranofeeley.com Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home 302-731-5459

Stephen G. Harkins

August 3, 1956 - January 2, 2023

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